NAVAJO DIVISION FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES HIGHLIGHTS ACCOMPLISHMENTS AT STATE OF NAVAJO NATION
Navajo Division for Children and Family Services (NDCFS) Executive Director Thomas Cody provided an update on the NDCFS programs and departments during The People’s State of the Nation at Shiprock High School on January 13, 2026.
Cody highlighted the increases in salary for NDCFS federally funded employees that were implemented this past quarter with the help of President Buu Nygren, Office of the Controller, Department of Personnel Management, and program managers.
“We developed the most competitive salary scale on Navajo,” he said. He noted that many NDCFS employees received up to 20% increases in their salaries.
“We’re creating jobs. We’re creating competitive salaries,” he said.
NDCFS employs more than 480 staff with six managers, most of whom are federally funded.
In his remarks, Cody also noted that the Division’s P.L. 102-477 Plan secures federal dollars that come to the Navajo Nation to reduce unemployment through workforce development and training.
“We’re pumping millions of dollars into the Navajo Nation economy through child care, financial assistance, health care, and TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families),” he said.
Cody praised staff for accomplishments over the past year, including:
- The Preserving Navajo Families Initiative brought together faith-based organizations from traditional Navajo practitioners, Native American Church, and Christian organizations to promote healthy families and address issues of substance abuse through spiritual healing.
- NDCFS worked on amendments to the Vulnerable Adult Protection Act and the Álchíní Bi Beehaz’áannii Act. These amendments are in final review stages before introduction to the legislative process.
- The Housing Assistance Fund provided 323 clients with $12 million, assisting homeowners with repairs, mortgage assistance and other hardship due to COVID-19.
- Navajo Nation TV and Film produced a short film, “SUNRISE Ha’ii’ah,” which educates about the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), in conjunction with the Navajo ICWA Program. The film is an inspiring example of telling our own stories.
- The Navajo Child Care Development Fund was used to purchase playground equipment for the Navajo Nation’s child care centers.
- Financial assistance for burial was increased from $2,500 to $3,500 thanks to the advocacy of Navajo Nation leadership.
The event featured updates from the Navajo Nation Executive Branch Division Directors and President Nygren as well as cultural performances by students and Joe Tohonnie Jr. and the White Mountain Apache Crown Dancers. The NDCFS Office of Executive Director, Department of Child Care and Development, Department of Self Reliance, Navajo ICWA Program, Navajo Treatment Center for Children and Their Families, Financial Assistance Unit, and Developmental Disabilities Program shared information with the public at booths during the event.
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